Full day of Faro

 

I was up and down for breakfast by 8am.

Once I was fed and watered, I headed out to find things to look at!

I usually have a list of things that I want to do or see,( and I had that) but I  usually just wander too and see where I end up.

Firstly I found the salt water marshes, which has a rail track running along its twists and turns, that must be a lovely part of the train journey. The marshes are a great area for bird life and  there were  Oyster catchers, my favourite birds ( along with blackbirds). It was so peaceful that the calls of the birds was so loud and clear, a great start to the day.

I wandered through the old town round the old walls, sadly a lot of this area seemed to be derelict, however it did seem as if there is some sort of regeneration taking place, which is good as the buildings are full of architectural history.

I made my way to the marina, and then was trying to figure out the way to my next 'place' on my ticky list. I spotted a policeman and decided to ask him. He was standing out side a stunning building which turned out to be the National Bank of Portugal.  He said he spoke a 'little English' and when I explained where I wanted to go, he said he would take me, on condition that we spoke in English to help him to speak it better ( he asked me! to help him speak English better!!!???, good lord!). We set off chattering away, he actually spoke really good English. We arrived at my destination. As he left to head back to the marina, he thanked me for visiting 'his city'. 

I had arrived at The Chapel of Bones, or rather I had arrived at the stunning Carmo Church, built in 1713 inside it was a glittering delight, gilded with gold from Brazil ( a Portuguese colony at the time)

The side churches were dedicated to saints but as you passed through one, you headed out to a garden and the Church of bones, built with the bones of over 1000 monks in the 1800's, this is not as creepy as it may seem as there are various types of these churches through out Europe, space in cemeteries  being at a premium, some bodies were exhumed and often transferred to churches, especially those of holy men.

I headed off to get some lunch before wending my way though the cobbled streets.

some are struggling with the roots of the trees that flank them.

I then went into shopping mode and made some fab purchases as the sales are on, yes I really do need another handbag!

By now I had somehow ( accidentally on purpose) made my way back to the Marina and to Columbus Culinary Bar, I had read about this at home and then the Jet2 rep at the airport told me they had their Xmas do there, so I headed for cocktails. I decided on a Dry martini. It arrived with 3 olives and was exceptional ( move over Grumpy Gabriel, you have lost your crown). 

I then headed back to the hotel for a nap, not before stopping at a restaurant just round the corner and booking a table for dinner, and grabbing a coffee and piece of cake!

Nap  over, shower done, I was dressed and at the restaurant by 7.20pm.

I opted for a local white wine to drink, and had goats cheese and bread and olives for starters.

This was followed by pork cheeks slow cooked in red wine, with sweet potato puree.

The meat just fell apart and was amazing. I had no room for dessert!

The restaurant was very busy and full of locals, always a good recommendation.

I walked round the block twice before heading back to the hotel.

It was 9pm by this time and I was tired out and ready for bed.

And now I am about to head for breakfast and hopefully  another full day.